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- Dec 17, 2002
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UPDATES
I totally agree with Souljah. Awards, jobs, grades, new projects/positions at an old job, volunteer experiences. I'd be wary about travelling experiences for pleasure, however, because it doesn't really add "substance" to your application and may seem like you're trying too hard to find things to put down (I could be totally wrong, but just in case you get really conservative people on your committee). If you're travelling somewhere to volunteer, for education, for missionary purposes, then that would definately be something I'd mention =) Really, though, I would make decisions for what to write on an update on a case-by-case basis... Ask yourself what it is that you want to show the committee with what you're adding to your application, and, if this makes any sense, if it warrents their consideration... Just make sure it's something important (so if there is a whole whole lot, try to prioritize) or you'll risk sounding desperate.
If you have nothing to add, a letter of intent is still appropriate =) UCSF looks for people who really want to be here and even more importantly, would be happy as a UCSF student (do your past experiences, interests, hobbies, passions fit in with what UCSF has to offer?). I think I did mention a few particular things about UCSF that made it especially and personally attractive to me. I've heard arguments for why one should or why one should not mention proximity to family, but I personally included it. Significant others, unless engaged or married, I'd be a lot more cautious about. But, really, I'm sure from when you submitted your application to now, there has to be something you can add. I wrote about a new project I picked up in my lab, new findings in my current project... some new positions I acquired, some conferences I went to, things that I'd published (abstracts are great... and remember everytime you're presenting at a conference, your adbstract is in the program! that counts!!). It was a big research year for me =P
WAITING
Souljah is right. I'm the expert on waiting! I didn't get in until June after receving my invite in October. There's a lot of factors: if there are disputes about your status, your case may have to go through more committees or undergo an appeal process... if your interviewee isn't there when your case comes up at the meeting, they can't talk about you. Don't worry about it!! If you haven't heard in a few months, I'd call and just politely say you're really excited about UCSF, haven't heard in X weeks, and just wondering if a decision had been made yet. =) Don't ever be pushy!! They'll remember =) hehehe
If you're on high priority, you won't hear until May 15. The whole point of that list is to give those interviewing later a fair chance--they will rank you at that time. Remember to get any additional letters of rec or updates in BEFORE they rank! =)
I don't know if January letters have gone out. Last year, they sent out a batch on the 1st, and another on the 15th.. One date tended to be acceptances, the other tended to be non-acceptances (not rejections necessarily). I will ask.
Take care everyone!!! =)
GOOD LUCK and a big fat hug!
Bien
I totally agree with Souljah. Awards, jobs, grades, new projects/positions at an old job, volunteer experiences. I'd be wary about travelling experiences for pleasure, however, because it doesn't really add "substance" to your application and may seem like you're trying too hard to find things to put down (I could be totally wrong, but just in case you get really conservative people on your committee). If you're travelling somewhere to volunteer, for education, for missionary purposes, then that would definately be something I'd mention =) Really, though, I would make decisions for what to write on an update on a case-by-case basis... Ask yourself what it is that you want to show the committee with what you're adding to your application, and, if this makes any sense, if it warrents their consideration... Just make sure it's something important (so if there is a whole whole lot, try to prioritize) or you'll risk sounding desperate.
If you have nothing to add, a letter of intent is still appropriate =) UCSF looks for people who really want to be here and even more importantly, would be happy as a UCSF student (do your past experiences, interests, hobbies, passions fit in with what UCSF has to offer?). I think I did mention a few particular things about UCSF that made it especially and personally attractive to me. I've heard arguments for why one should or why one should not mention proximity to family, but I personally included it. Significant others, unless engaged or married, I'd be a lot more cautious about. But, really, I'm sure from when you submitted your application to now, there has to be something you can add. I wrote about a new project I picked up in my lab, new findings in my current project... some new positions I acquired, some conferences I went to, things that I'd published (abstracts are great... and remember everytime you're presenting at a conference, your adbstract is in the program! that counts!!). It was a big research year for me =P
WAITING
Souljah is right. I'm the expert on waiting! I didn't get in until June after receving my invite in October. There's a lot of factors: if there are disputes about your status, your case may have to go through more committees or undergo an appeal process... if your interviewee isn't there when your case comes up at the meeting, they can't talk about you. Don't worry about it!! If you haven't heard in a few months, I'd call and just politely say you're really excited about UCSF, haven't heard in X weeks, and just wondering if a decision had been made yet. =) Don't ever be pushy!! They'll remember =) hehehe
If you're on high priority, you won't hear until May 15. The whole point of that list is to give those interviewing later a fair chance--they will rank you at that time. Remember to get any additional letters of rec or updates in BEFORE they rank! =)
I don't know if January letters have gone out. Last year, they sent out a batch on the 1st, and another on the 15th.. One date tended to be acceptances, the other tended to be non-acceptances (not rejections necessarily). I will ask.
Take care everyone!!! =)
GOOD LUCK and a big fat hug!
Bien
